Oklahoma

From the word go this was a first class production and hard to believe it was a youth group performing it, yes all the parts and chorus were played by youngsters but they all gave performances worthy of actors with many more years experience.

In the principal roles of Curly and Laurey were Henry Foulkes and Charlotte Sowerby who both gave extremely believable performances throughout the whole show. Henry has a superb baritone voice and delivered the songs with ease as did Charlotte whose beautiful soprano voice was a joy to hear.

As we all know Laurey lives with her Aunt Eller whose matronly actions ensures Laurey comes to no harm. In this role Grace Quanne was excellent and was able to give the performance of someone much older than herself, not an easy feat from someone so young but Grace pulled it off with ease.

Vying after Laurey’s affections is Judd Fry, the hired hand on the farm who is not the first person a young girl thinks about as her beau. Here was another fine performance this time from Jacob McParland, his simmering actions and quiet sultry voice made for a very creepy character. His duet with Curly in the smoke house, Pore Judd is Daid was brilliant as was his solo, Lonely Room both of which were loved by the entire audience.

There was also a good deal of comedy in this show from Ado Annie and Will Parker played respectively by Georgia Bloxham and Oliver Richardson who both delivered their songs and lines with ease. As we know Ado Annie is a girl who can’t say no and she has her head turned by both Will and the local pedlar man, Ali Hakim, it is hard to believe this was the first major role for 13 year old Ethan Rodmell, his comedic timing was superb and loved by all.

This production was not the usual one we expect as it was performed in traverse with the orchestra playing in the centre, this is not easy for anyone to cope with let alone a group of youngsters but they all coped very well to deliver first class performances throughout from everyone. I must also recognise the Dream Ballet which had some unique little touches to make it stand out above the rest.

Congratulations to the full cast plus Ashley Wade as choreographer and co-director with Kayleigh Smith and Tony Dylak as MD, they all must be very proud of themselves.

 

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